[OE. carléasnes: see CARELESS and -NESS.] The quality or state of being void of care, or of taking no care; freedom from trouble or anxiety (obs.); heedlessness, inattention, thoughtlessness, negligence, indifference.
c. 1000. Ælfric, Voc., in Wr.-Wülcker, 172. Securitas, karleasnes.
1561. T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., III. 204. Consider how great is our carelesnesse, or drowsinesse, or sluggishnesse.
1597. Hooker, Eccl. Pol., V. lxviii. § 9. Carelessness to whom we impart the mysteries of Christ.
1613. R. C., Table Alph. (ed. 3), Securitie, carelesnesse, feare of nothing.
1641. J. Jackson, True Evang. T., II. 148. The Stoicks were defamed by all other Schooles, for introducing their patience, which indeed was no better then a counterfeit or carcasse of true patience, being onely a stupid senslesnesse, and wretched carelesnesse.
1729. Butler, Serm., Wks. 1874, II. 97. Men do indeed resent what is occasioned through carelessness.
1823. Lamb, Elia (1860), 211. With what ineffable carelessness would he twirl his gold chain!
1849. Ruskin, Sev. Lamps, v. § ix. 144. Accidental carelessnesses of measurement or of execution.
